Crime and Punishment

    AQA
    GCSE

    Analyze the ethical and theological tensions between state-sanctioned punishment and religious imperatives regarding justice, mercy, and the sanctity of life. Evaluate the application of specific aims of punishment—retribution, deterrence, reformation, and protection—through the lens of divergent scriptural interpretations (e.g., literalist vs. liberal) and contemporary case studies. Assess the compatibility of religious concepts of forgiveness with secular penal systems.

    5
    Objectives
    4
    Exam Tips
    3
    Pitfalls
    3
    Key Terms
    4
    Mark Points

    Learning Objectives

    What you need to know and understand

    • Romans 13:1 - 'Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities'.
    • Exodus 21:24 - 'Eye for eye, tooth for tooth' (Lex Talionis).
    • The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant (Matthew 18) regarding the necessity of forgiveness.
    • The distinction between Corporal Punishment (physical pain) and Capital Punishment (execution).
    • The three primary aims of punishment: Retribution, Deterrence, and Reformation.

    Example Examiner Feedback

    Real feedback patterns examiners use when marking

    • "You have stated the Christian view; now explain why they hold this view using the concept of Agape or Sanctity of Life."
    • "Your evaluation lists arguments for and against. To improve, explicitly state which argument is stronger and why before your conclusion."
    • "Include a specific reference to a source of wisdom (Bible/Qur'an) to secure the marks in the 5-mark explanation."
    • "Differentiate between the aim of 'deterrence' and the aim of 'reformation' more clearly in your analysis of prison."

    Marking Points

    Key points examiners look for in your answers

    • Award marks for precise citation of sacred texts (e.g., 'an eye for an eye' vs 'turn the other cheek') rather than generalized assertions.
    • Credit responses that distinguish between 'crime' (state violation) and 'sin' (religious violation) when discussing intentions.
    • In 12-mark evaluations, candidates must analyse divergent views within a religion (e.g., literalist vs liberal Christian views on capital punishment).
    • For 5-mark questions, award full marks only when the reference to sacred writing is accurately linked to the explanation, not just tagged on.

    Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for maximising your marks

    • 💡For the 12-mark question, use the 'FARM' structure: For, Against, Religious teachings, Main conclusion.
    • 💡Memorise short, versatile quotes like 'Love thy neighbour' or 'Do not kill' but apply them specifically to the context of the death penalty or forgiveness.
    • 💡Allocate 15 minutes strictly to the 12-mark question to ensure depth of analysis.
    • 💡Ensure the 5-mark answer explicitly uses the phrase 'This is shown in the Bible/Qur'an where it says...' to trigger the mark for sacred writing.

    Common Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

    • Conflating 'retribution' with 'revenge'; failing to identify retribution as a legitimate aim of justice.
    • Using generic phrases like 'Christians believe' without acknowledging denominational differences (e.g., Quakers vs Catholics on prison reform).
    • Failing to provide a justified conclusion in the 12-mark 'Evaluate' question, resulting in a cap at Level 3.

    Study Guide Available

    Comprehensive revision notes & examples

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    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    Likely Command Words

    How questions on this topic are typically asked

    Give
    State
    Explain
    Contrast
    Evaluate
    Refer to

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